Anyone circled Vancouver Island or have info on routes?

12 posts / 0 new
Last post
cannedtaco's picture

Todd
Victoria
Anyone circled Vancouver Island or have info on routes?

I'm planning to take two weeks to drive from Victoria up one side of the island and down the other avoiding asphalt as best I can. Anyone done this or know of info about it? Routes, camp sites, sights not to be missed? In case you are reluctant to share with unknown people, I am respectful of what we have, stay on trail and always bring back more than I take out. Each time I go out I try somewhere new, so you are not likely to find me back in the same spot again.

I would appreciate any help you can offer. You can always email me privately at toddco at hotmail dot com. Thanks, Todd.

theshanergy's picture
Admin

Shane
Alberni Valley

I think you'll have a difficult time finding a good route around the island. The west coast has way too many inlets so you'll end up zigzagging through the middle of the island instead. The east coast is doable, but now you're talking about highway driving.

I might rethink the plan all together and maybe try for a b-line up the center of the island, avoiding as many paved roads as possible.

03XSportTrac's picture

Bryce Mercredi
Port Alberni

i thinks it do able for sure, grab one of the backroad map booklets at any fishing hunting store..big time help

03XSportTrac's picture

Bryce Mercredi
Port Alberni

like if he came from cowachan go up to nitnat to bamfield road from port alberni, take great central roads up to courtney cambell river area, but gates could cause problems for this journey.

03XSportTrac's picture

Bryce Mercredi
Port Alberni

where did u get your bumper set up?

Jay's picture
Jay

Jay
Langford

even better, just get a good back country gps app or sd card for your gps

i have a tablet mount where my rear view mirror used to be. works much nicer then looking at paper maps

Johnnay's picture

John Wightman
Victoria

This: http://www.vancouverislandgrandloop.com

It's mapped out/planned by Adventure Motorcyclers, so not sure if it's entirely passable with a 4x4, but might be worth a shot.

cannedtaco's picture

Todd
Victoria

Well, I did it. Got to Campbell River on July 2 and turned left into the bush for 15 days. I did look at the VIGL website, but customized my route to maximize the dirt factor. My plan is to post my route similar to the VIGL's style as soon as I get time. The Backroads Mapbooks are very out of date and can take you a long way down roads that indicate much more potential than they can provide. Found many examples where roads haven't done what the map shows for many years (decades). The photo I attached of my truck was taken at Alice Lake Rec Site on July 13.

Johnnay's picture

John Wightman
Victoria

Nice! I'm heading out next week, so if you could post your kml file that would be awesome.

jas's picture
jas

Jas
Shawnigan

I'd love to see the Kml file if possible. Would love to try the trip.

cannedtaco's picture

Todd
Victoria

Will try. Just so busy having to catch up with work now.

jas's picture
jas

Jas
Shawnigan

That is understandable. You were gone for a long time.
Have you had any issues with getting gas?
I imagine you had a gas can or two with you as back up.

Log in or Register to post a reply.